The New York Mets (65-63) defeated the Philadelphia Phillies (59-69) in last night’s opener by the final score of 9-4. For a full boxscore recap follow the link below…

http://m.mlb.com/gameday/phillies-vs-mets/2016/08/26/448782?#game=448782,game_state=final,game_tab=box

Game Notes:

• Asdrubal Cabrera had a big game going 2-4 with 2 HRs and 3 RBIs.
• Wilmer Flores went 1-4 with a grand slam.
• Jose Reyes went 2-4 with a leadoff HR in the first inning.
• Yoenis Cespedes was 2-4 with two base knocks.
• Bartolo Colon pitched seven innings giving up 4 runs on 6 hits with 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. He also did it with the bat going 2-3 with a double and 2 runs scored.

The Mets absolutely laid the smackdown on the Phillies last night, and it was something we hope to see more of down the stretch, as the Mets will be playing one of the easiest schedules in terms of team records. The offense came out in full force last night, and the Mets haven’t been able to beat the Phillies as handily as they did last season. The Mets came into last night’s contest 5-4 against the Phillies this season, and they will be seeing the Phillies nine more times this season which makes it crucial that they continue to play well against them. The Mets are currently riding a nice streak as they have won five of their last six games, and the team has really come alive over the past week. This team knows what it will take to get back to the postseason and if they can avoid injury they will make the next few weeks of baseball very interesting. 

Here are some impressive numbers for ya: Over the past seven games Asdrubal Cabrera has hit .393 with a .750 slugging percentage. Over his last 12 games Jose Reyes has hit .360. Over Yoenis Cespedes last seven games he has hit .345 with a .724 slugging percentage. And of course Wilmer Flores continues to mash left-handed pitching at a .344 clip with 10 home runs. Those numbers are certainly welcoming for a team that has been deprived of offense for much of the season. 

On a side note outfielder Justin Ruggiano did leave last night’s game early with some shoulder discomfort. There is no word as to how the severe the injury is but it certainly is frustrating to see another Met go down with injury. Let’s keep our fingers crossed it is nothing serious as he has been a nice contributor while he has been on the field for the Mets. 

• You can catch tonight’s game on WPIX with a 7:10 pm et. start time as the refreshed Mets will go for the series victory against the Phillies.

• The Mets will send Noah Syndergaard (11-7, 2.61 ERA) to the mound to take on the Phillies top starter Jeremy Hellickson (10-7, 3.60 ERA).